RFL seek full-time England coach

The job of coaching England is set to revert to a full-time position, the Rugby Football League have confirmed.

The governing body are now looking for a successor to Tony Smith, who stepped down as national team boss after the Four Nations tournament a fortnight ago. Smith was allowed to combine his duties with those of coaching Super League side Warrington in the final year of his contract but the RFL want to move back to having a dedicated man in charge.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: "We are looking for a full-time appointment. It needs to be part and parcel of a whole stream of measures the game is taking to give us the best possible chance in 2013 (at the World Cup)."

He added: "We haven't set any restrictions on timelines. It is more important we get the right person rather than a quick appointment.

"We will be looking wherever we need to look to get the right person, or indeed combination of persons if that is appropriate, over the course of time."

The role will combine a number of other responsibilities as well as coaching the side, including overseeing the development of a core group of players in partnership with clubs for the 2013 World Cup.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood will sit on a panel which will include a recently-retired England international to make the appointment, while Smith will also offer guidance.

The RFL have also said they could make more than one appointment in connection with the position

A number of candidates have been linked with the position including John Kear and Justin Morgan, the coaches of Wakefield and Hull KR respectively, and Great Britain legend Ellery Hanley.